Starting a new practice is a great time to create a positive working environment.

When I started hiring employees to work at our firm, I created engagement standards to set the tone of the organization. Potential employees are provided a copy of our engagement standards in their final interview to make certain that they will be on board with the culture of our organization.

Our corporate engagement standards include:· Constant curmudgeons won’t fit in, though it is OK to have a bad day periodically.· We have a passion for excellence and are always expected to do a great job.· We have open-door communication. Speaking behind each other’s back isn’t permitted.· All questions are good questions. · It is acceptable to say “I don’t know” to each other and “I don’t know, but I’ll find out” to clients.· Lifetime learning through continuing education is valued and expected.· Everyone pitches in when help is needed, no matter the type of job that needs to be done.· A balanced lifestyle is highly encouraged. · Our relationship needs to be reevaluated if we aren’t enjoying and respecting each other.· Mistakes are an opportunity to learn. Taking responsibilities for mistakes is required.· We say what we do and do what we say.· Always do the right thing. We pride ourselves on high ethical standards.· Complaints are OK, but we must come up with solutions to our complaints.· We are expected to be competent to the level of our training.· Trust but verify. We check behind each other to make certain tasks are getting done.· All employees are expected to follow our client service procedures to maintain efficiency and quality.· We keep flexible hours for clients and employees.· Our dress code is very casual on days that we don’t have client meetings. We strive for two days a week without meetings.· Compensation is tied to revenue and performance as a team.· We celebrate a job well done.

After potential employees read our engagement standards, it spurs most to want the job even more. We review the engagement standards with the new employee as a team, as it sets the tone for how seriously we take our culture.

Once a year, we review the engagement standards and make updates as a team.

The outcome? We have a joyous work environment, our integrity shines through to our clients and we reduce the chance of making a bad hire.

This has helped Life Planning Partners become the success it is today.